Calcaneal offset index to measure hindfoot alignment in pes planus

INTRODUCTION

Pes planus is a common three-dimensional (3D) deformity characterised by forefoot abduction, the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, and hindfoot valgus. Several radiological measurements such as anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle (Kite's) and 'Calcaneal pitch angle' (CPA) exist to calculate the degree of hindfoot alignment in these patients with variable intra- and interobserver reliability.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a new radiological ancillary method of measuring hindfoot alignment, the calcaneal offset index (COI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Anteroposterior (mortise) and lateral view weight-bearing (WB) ankle radiographs of 200 consecutive patients referred for foot and ankle pain were reviewed. Demographic details, clinical indication, and COI calculation were undertaken on the mortise view along with the measurement of CPA for each patient. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was evaluated to assess the intraclass reliability between observers.

RESULTS

There was a female preponderance of 2:1 in the study population with a mean age of 51.21 years (13-86 years). The calcaneal offset was increased in pes planus (hindfoot valgus). The p-value was 0.00023 on ANOVA. The COI gave an excellent interobserver correlation with ICC of 0.9 and moderate intraobserver reliability on the ICC analysis of 0.55.

CONCLUSION

The COI can be an additional index of measuring hindfoot alignment in patients with pes planus. Contrary to the traditional angular measurements, this linear transverse plane measure is easier to calculate and reproducible. COI measurement has shown moderate intraobserver reliability but excellent interobserver reliability.

The Linear Hallux Valgus Offset- A novel way to measure Hallux Valgus

INTRODUCTION

Hallux Valgus (HV) is a complex deformity involving the first ray of the forefoot and a common cause of forefoot pain. Several radiological measurements such as Hallux Valgus Angle (HVA), First Metatarsophalangeal Angle (IMA) and Distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) exist to calculate the severity of HV and direct patient management. However, these are angular measurements are prone to error with variable intra- and inter-observer reliability.

PURPOSE

To describe a new radiological linear hallux valgus offset (LHVO) to measure HV deformity.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study looking at Antero-posterior, weight-bearing foot radiographs of 100 consecutive patients with forefoot pain referred to our foot and ankle clinic. Demographic details, clinical indication, HVA (hallux valgus angle) and LHVO were measured for each patient and data were analyzed using the student t-test. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) analysis was evaluated to assess the intra-class reliability between observers.

RESULTS

There was a female predominance of approximately 2:1, with 51.3 years (range 13-86 years). There was a statistically significant difference of LHVO between normal and hallux valgus cohorts with a p-value of 0.0001. The LHVO gave moderate intra-observer and inter-observer reliability on ICC analysis of 0.7.

CONCLUSION

The LHVO can be an additional measure of assessing severity of hallux valgus. In contrary to the traditional angular measurements, this linear measure is easier to calculate and reproducible on plain, weight bearing radiographs. LHVO measurement has shown a moderate inter-observer reliability in the study to complement traditional radiological evaluation of hallux valgus alignment.

OUTCOMES OF NEONATAL CHYLOUS EFFUSIONS: A 20-YEAR WEST-AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY CENTER EXPERIENCE

Neonatal chylous effusions are rare entity with limited evidence-based management. We conducted a retrospective review of neonates admitted to King Edward Memorial and Princess Margaret/Perth Children's Hospital over 20 years with laboratory-confirmed chylous effusions. A total of 51 infants with chylous effusion were identified. Median gestational age and birth weight were 35.5 weeks and 2620 grams respectively. Congenital [27/51] and acquired [24/51] cases were included. Antenatal interventions were performed in 17/22 with antenatal hydrops and 50/51 needed postnatal drains. Effusions were monitored with serial (≥2) chest ultrasounds in 29/51 infants and multiple (≥5) x-rays in 45/51 infants. Median duration of mechanical ventilation, oxygen requirement, and hospital stay was 294.5 hours, 400 hours, and 49 days respectively. 39/51 received medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet while 8/51 received octreotide. Six infants died during hospital stay. 12/19 had normal developmental assessment at one-year. The acquired group had higher number of xrays done, need for MCT diet and inotropes, and hospital stay vs congenital group. Duration of drains, radiological investigations and immunoglobulin administration were higher in neonates who received octreotide. Syndromic association, duration of ventilation and oxygenation were risk factors for mortality. In our setting, neonatal chylous effusions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Outcomes of neonatal chylous effusions: A 20-year west-Australian tertiary center experience

Neonatal chylous effusions are rare entity with limited evidence-based management. We conducted a retrospective review of neonates admitted to King Edward Memorial and Princess Margaret/Perth Children's Hospital over 20 years with laboratory-confirmed chylous effusions. A total of 51 infants with chylous effusion were identified. Median gestational age and birth weight were 35.5 weeks and 2620 grams respectively. Congenital [27/ 51] and acquired [24/51] cases were included. Antenatal interventions were performed in 17/22 with antenatal hydrops and 50/51 needed postnatal drains. Effusions were monitored with serial (≥2) chest ultrasounds in 29/51 infants and multiple (≥5) x-rays in 45/51 infants. Median duration of mechanical ventilation, oxygen requirement, and hospital stay was 294.5 hours, 400 hours, and 49 days respectively. 39/51 received medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet while 8/51 received octreotide. Six infants died during hospital stay. 12/19 had normal developmental assessment at one-year. The acquired group had higher number of xrays done, need for MCT diet and inotropes, and hospital stay vs congenital group. Duration of drains, radiological investigations and immunoglobulin administration were higher in neonates who received octreotide. Syndromic association, duration of ventilation and oxygenation were risk factors for mortality. In our setting, neonatal chylous effusions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Neonatal outcomes following previable prelabour rupture of membranes before 23 weeks of gestation - A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes of hospitalized preterm infants following previable prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) at≤23 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants admitted for intensive care, between January 2006 and December 2016 following PPROM, was conducted. Short term clinical outcomes included severity of respiratory morbidity, length of hospital stay and mortality. Neurodevelopment in survivors was assessed using Bayley's Scales of Infant Development (3rd edition) at 24 months corrected age.

RESULTS

A total of 82 preterm infants were admitted following PPROM at < 23 weeks and were grouped as: Group 1 (n = 28) with PPROM < 20 weeks and Group 2 (n = 54) with PPROM between 20-22 + 6 weeks. Median latency following PPROM was significantly longer in Group 1 infants [69(Interquartile range (IQR): 43-74; Range (R): 25-100 vs. 29(IQR: 10-53; R: 2-72) days, p < 0.001]. Median gestation at delivery was 27.4 weeks (Group 1) vs. 25.1 weeks (Group 2). Group 1 had a significantly higher incidence of oligohydramnios [13(46.4%) vs. 8(14.8%), p = 0.002], lower Apgar scores (<7) at 5 minutes [19(67.9%) vs. 24(44.4%), p = 0.044], increased pulmonary hypoplasia [13(46.4%) vs. 5(9.3%), p < 0.001], joint contractures [3(10.7%) vs. 0, p = 0.037] and mortality [10(35.7%) vs. 7(13.0%), p = 0.016]. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months corrected age were comparable in the 36 surviving infants (9/18 vs. 27/547).

CONCLUSION

Morbidity and mortality is high in infants born after previable PPROM; specifically, in those with PPROM < 20 weeks although early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes were comparable. Larger prospective studies focussing on long term neonatal outcomes are needed to confirm these findings.

Anterior translation of the tibia in relation to femur in mucoid degeneration of ACL - An observational study

Background

Mucoid degeneration (MD) of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are a well-known pathological entity.We have encountered several patients with MD of the ACL, found to have a anterior translation of tibia a exceeding 5 mm with an intact ACL. We studied this cohort and investigated the likely cause of this.

Methods

A retrospective search of our department's radiology system to identify all patients referred from the knee orthopaedic clinic for MR imaging over a span of 10 years. All patients had MD within the substance of the ACL and an intact ACL. We evaluated the degree of anterior translation of the tibia (ATT) in relation to the femur in mucoid degeneration of ACL.

Results

We identified 464 consecutive cases. The mean age was 52 years. There was a male predominance of 261 to 203 female. The average PTF measurement was 2.4 mm with a range of 0-20mm. Of the 464 cases, 3 397 patients had an insignificant ATT of < 5 mm. (0mm. 67. 67 67 patients had a ATT >5 mm. Of them, 32.8% had a ATT of 6 mm, 53.7% had a ATT range between 7 and 9 mm, with the remaining 13.4% above 9 mm in length.

Conclusion

It is essential to look for other secondary signs of ACL tears and not only focus on ATT as well as correlate this with clinical findings.

Master knot of Henry revisited: a radiologist's perspective on MRI

The master knot of Henry refers to a narrow space located between the anatomical crossover of the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus tendons. This small space is prone to "intersection syndrome," as a result of tendinosis, tenosynovitis, and tears of the aforementioned tendons at the knot of Henry. The aim of this educational review is to detail the anatomy of the knot of Henry, including common variations in the tendon position and orientation. These complex interconnections can affect the outcome of surgical intervention if not appreciated at the time of treatment. We will also provide an overview of the common and rarer pathologies related to the knot of Henry. The aim of the present review is to make radiologists more aware of pathologies in this region, which are not routinely seen in daily practice.

Platinum-based chemotherapy in metastatic triple negative breast cancer: Experience of a tertiary referral centre in India

Experimental data suggest that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) may have increased sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy but there is lack of relevant clinical data. Clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic TNBC treated with Platinum-based chemotherapy were evaluated in this prospective study.

METHODS

21 selected patients with metastatic TNBC presenting at GCRI during the study period from 1st August 2009 to 31st October 2011 formed the study group with median follow up period of 10 months. They were given palliative chemotherapy based upon prior adjuvant chemotherapy along with an additional platinum compound. Response rates, response duration and toxicities of platinum-based chemotherapy were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

In evaluable TNBC patients, overall response rate and complete clinical response were 72% and 38% with median response duration of four months. Response could not be assessed in three patients due to patient refusal for evaluation, lost to follow up and toxicities. In three TNBC patients after completion of platinum based chemotherapy have early isolated CNS relapse with systemic disease in remission. Haematological adverse effects were febrile neutropenia in 19% of patients, and grade 3–4 neutropenia (9%) thrombocytopenia and anaemia (7%). The main non-hematological adverse effects reported in the present study were peripheral neuropathy (14%) and severe emesis (9%). The most common Platinum-based chemotherapy combination was carboplatin and paclitaxel in 11 patients (52%) of evaluable patients. Patients who received this regime have complete response rate, overall response rate and toxicity was 45%, 65% and 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

TNBC patients with platinum-based chemotherapy have better overall response rates, higher complete clinical response rates, prolonged response duration and acceptable safety profile. The results of the present study need to be confirmed with a larger randomized study with a longer follow up.